CONTACT:
Franchesca Forrer
760-861-1392
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Celebrates Caravanserai Alliance for Entrepreneurs as Newest Approved Worksite
Palm Springs, CA (July 22, 2026) — Blue Zones Project Palm Springs proudly announces Caravanserai Alliance for Entrepreneurs as its newest approved worksite, recognizing the organization’s commitment to creating a culture of well-being for its team, entrepreneurs, and the broader Palm Springs community.
The designation celebrates the alignment between two community-driven efforts: Blue Zones Project Palm Springs’ mission to make healthy choices easier in the places where people live, work, learn, and play, and Caravanserai’s longstanding commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Founded in 2016, Caravanserai has served as a catalyst for entrepreneurs who face barriers to launching and growing businesses, providing mentorship, resources, training, and connections designed to create financial security and economic mobility. Through its work with entrepreneurs across the region, Caravanserai has supported a diverse network of innovators — including small farms, food entrepreneurs, well-being focused businesses, and community-centered changemakers.
“Becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite is a natural extension of Caravanserai’s mission,” said Bradley Chargualaf, Co-CEO of Caravanserai and Caravan Small Business Development Center Director. “We have always believed that supporting people means supporting the whole person—their ideas, their health, their relationships, and their ability to contribute to their communities. Entrepreneurs need more than resources; they need ecosystems that foster creativity, resilience, and connection. Through our partnership with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, we are creating a workplace and entrepreneurial community where our team and the entrepreneurs we serve can truly thrive.”
“Healthy communities don’t happen by accident—they are built by people who choose to invest in one another,” said Mihai Patru, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Palm Springs. “Caravanserai has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs to transform ideas into businesses that create opportunity, connection, and hope. This partnership celebrates the belief that economic success and well-being are not competing goals—they grow stronger together.”
As part of its Blue Zones Project approval, Caravanserai has embraced practices that support employee well-being, strengthen workplace culture, and encourage connection, movement, purpose, and healthy choices throughout the organization.
The City of Palm Springs has been a key partner in supporting both Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and Caravanserai’s efforts to strengthen local entrepreneurship and community well-being.
“Palm Springs continues to be a place where innovation, inclusion, and community connection come together,” said Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. “Caravanserai’s work supporting entrepreneurs and well-being reflects the independent spirit of our city, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone as part of our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities where everyone can thrive.”
Caravanserai’s Blue Ribbon Celebration will take place in fall 2026 and will introduce a new community experience: a pop-up Well-Being Marketplace celebrating the intersection of entrepreneurship, local businesses, and healthy living.
For more information about Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and upcoming community events, visit bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com.
#
About Blue Zones in Riverside County
Blue Zones Project® is brought to Riverside County by Blue Zones and leading organizations Riverside University Health System – Public Health, Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and Eisenhower Health. In collaboration with the County of Riverside and the Cities of Riverside, Banning, Palm Springs, and Coachella, this innovative partnership brings together private and public organizations under a shared vision to support, build, and measurably improve community well-being across the County. Blue Zones Projects have launched in Riverside, Banning, Coachella, and Palm Springs, while Mead Valley begins a policy-focused Blue Zones Activate. Over five years, local leadership and the local Blue Zones Project teams will implement the Blue Zones Life Radius® model to make healthy choices easier throughout the region through permanent and semi-permanent changes to the built environment, food environment, public policies, and social networks. www.bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com
